Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We agreed that one bit could not be excluded in favour of other bits. It is important at this juncture that the debate would occur next week and that every one of the 60 Members of this House would be encouraged to participate in it.

Following his joint statement with the Taoiseach in Belfast, Tony Blair spoke to the House of Commons that night. The following afternoon, Paul Murphy led a full debate. We have yet to have a debate in this House. The Government has conceded to a debate next week in the other House. It is not possible to go into the Christmas recess without a full debate on this matter. These matters are so important not just to the integrity of this House, but to the integrity of the process itself.